Although for many people the emergence of bands such as the Sex Pistols or Clash in the mid-1970s signified the start of punk, its roots can (arguably) be traced back further to the 1960s. With
revolutionary lyrics, primitive sounds, reckless drug consumption and a rejection of the established norms, it could be said that the punk rock ideal began with the US's 'proto-punk' MC5, Stooges and numerous garage rock bands. In the UK, the underground pub rock and
ska/skinhead scenes also had an influence on many of the punk bands that emerged into the mainstream.

I don't care,
about this world.

I don't care,
about that girl.
- From I don't care by the Ramones.

The question of which group deserves the accolade of first 'true' punk band is a much debated one. While some will argue that the Ramones' 1976 self-titled album came out first, others will point out that the Sex Pistols' noisy, aggressive and overtly political Never mind the Bollocks release, commercial success and infamous swearing on pre-watershed television made them the first true punk band.
Rivalries aside, by 1977 the British punk scene had blossomed, and punk in America was doing pretty well too. Scores of new bands were formed during this time, many of whom were attracted to the genre by the simple song-structures, rebellious attitudes towards the
Establishment and ever growing underground culture.

This rejection of traditional mainstream culture was counteracted by the explosion in punk culture - as well as records, radical new fashions such as the excessive use of safety pins or the 'Destroy' style shirts sold by Vivienne Westwood's London SEX shop became widely recognised. Furthermore, independent publishing of fanzines, such as Sniffin' Glue or Alternative Ulster, and even records (The Buzzcocks' Spiral Scratch EP being the first independent release) created a 'DIY' culture that was increasingly independent from the established mainstream.

For many people, punk had died by the early 1980s. Many of the earliest punk bands had either split up (Sex Pistols) or were releasing music, such as the Clash's Combat Rock album, that was a long way from the original style of punk. This increased mediocrity of mainstream releases and the decreased amount of media coverage meant that eventually punk fell out of the public eye, and was considered by many to be over.

In reality, punk was not dead yet. In the US, a number of hardcore band such as the Dead Kennedys, Black Flag and Minor Threat all released seminal debut records that rejuvenated punk whilst giving it a harder edge. During the early 1980s UK bands, often of the anarchist/pacifist persuasion, also came to the fore. Without wishing to simply list bands, Crass, Discharge, The Mob and Vice Squad are all notable examples. The fact that punk was now an underground movement which received little support from major labels (Black Flag's debut Damaged LP was dropped for being 'anti-parent') cemented the DIY ethic and caused the increased emergence of independent record labels, distributors and fanzines which created the worldwide culture which continues with great success today.